Lower East Side & East Village
I’ve been spending most of my time in the LES & East Village as of recent, simply because I cannot stop going back to these spots. Below is a list of my favorites in no particular order. At the bottom I have a list at the end of spots I am looking forward to going to still & space for recs! Enjoy!
Superbueno
Pictured here is their Vodka Y Soda. Every time I have this cocktail I yell into the void that it is the best cocktail in NYC. Don’t let the name fool you, a lot of cool cocktail techniques go into this one.
If you’re reading this, you have probably heard of Superbueno by now. I cannot express enough my love for this establishment. I could drink Vodka y Sodas, their popular specialty guava cocktail, all day everyday for the rest of my existence. The vibes here are immaculate no matter the time of day, The food is authentic and outstanding. I am lucky enough to have frequented Superbueno so often that I have become friends with some of the staff there and I truly cherish it. The hospitality is unmatched. Exciting buzzing restaurant/bar by day, and energetic silly dance party by night.
Mister Paradise
Pictured here is their Face Off, a two part drink bringing their two comically named milk punches together. This interactive cocktail comes out with flashing lights and sometimes a DVD case of the movie Face Off. Incredible.
I love it here. Arguably one of the funnest bars to have exist. The badass team of veteran bartenders sling drinks while having a ball. This spot is so special. I love a menu whose list of ingredients leaves me shocked and confused, Mister Paradise always delivers on quirky cocktails made with all the trendy tricks of the trade. Nothing is boring here. The staff are all wicked cool, the drinks are all fun, delicious and beautiful. I never know a specific drink to recommend here, there are sooo many options but the Scuba Steve is one of my favorites. They also are always doing fun pop ups with bars from around the world!
Paradise Lost
This place is just fucking cool. Exciting and flashy Tiki bar brings fun to the table with crazy daiquiri riffs, fire, lights and large format cocktails. This bar is a fun and different addition to the area and is truly a visual spectacle. The drinks are fun with large and silly garnishes and the staff are some of New York’s finest.
I had the pleasure of working with one of the owners of Rynn a few years ago and was excited to see she was opening her own spot! Rynn Thai opened this year in the East Village and it does not disappoint. Truly authentic Thai and a women owned & operated establishment. The Lump Crab Curry had me visibly stimming at table. The drinks are SO unique and out of this world!
Rynn Thai
Inside this iconic speakeasy you will find a dope old school cocktail vibe with absolutely incredible bartenders! Their menu is always changing and their cocktails are always fun and impressive.
Holiday Cocktail Lounge
Pretty Ricky’s
It’s the vibes for me. I came here for a pop up and cannot wait to come back for ~the real thing~. What a dope spot.
Legendary speakeasy. A bar with no menu and numerous awards and accolades. It’s first come first serve and the line builds up fast but if you catch an opening it is worth the wait! An honor to be receive custom bespoke cocktails by this crew - and they’re opening another spot soon in the LES!
Attaboy
Excited about:
Haven’t made it to these spots yet but looking forward to them!
Claud - Been meaning to check out forever! Food and vibe look immaculate.
Penny (Seafood spot that just opened above Claud)
Romeo’s - This bar looks so dope but I haven’t gotten a chance to check it out.
Good Guy’s - Attaboy team is opening a new concept in the LES!
I’ve never been to PDT for no reason. I will soon.
Somehow never been to Bar Belly or Bar Gato but aspiring to!
Got Recs?
Disclaimer
***I have been making these lists for my friends when they come into town or for friends who have family visiting. The intention is truly to showcase some spots I find incredible and support the friends I have made along the way! All opinions are my own, and if there is anything at all in here that is wrong or offensive to anyone at all, or you hate a picture or want to be removed, please let me know.
This is fully for good vibes & good tastes only!***